Greenways Selected for Awards

On May 31, 2013, the U.S. Department of the Interior recognized the Chipola River Greenway – Butler Trail and the Chipola River Greenway – Hinson Conservation and Recreation Area Trail as National Recreation Trails.

Recognition Program
The program was created to recognize exemplary trails of local and regional significance. The two Marianna trails were among 28 newly designated trails within the United States. There are 1100 trails throughout the United States with this designation, but only eight other trails in the State of Florida. Some of the benefits include technical assistance, electronic newsletters, networking and training opportunities, assistance with special events highlighting a trail, letters of support for fundraising, and access to funding opportunities.

Distinguished in Excellence
The Hinson and Butler Trails have been added to the database on the Department of Interior’s website. This designation should lead to more ecotourism in Marianna. This announcement comes on the heels of the Florida Wildlife Commission’s designation of the same trails as part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trails on December 4, 2012.